NCAAF Betting Update: Wyoming names true frosh starting quarterback

Back in June, Wyoming was down to two true freshmen quarterbacks after last year's starter Austin Carta-Samuels transferred and back-up Emory Miller left the program. Head coach Dave Christensen announced today that Brett Smith will start Week 1 against Weber State. Smith had the benefit of early enrollment and participated in spring practice. JC transfer Colby Kirkegaard will serve as his back-up while Adam Pittsner, who was actually fairly highly touted, will be the No. 3. In the first fall scrimmage Smith hit 24-of-28 passes for 323 yards and three TDs.

Christensen had said earlier this summer that the offense would be a bit different this season under first-year OC Gregg Brandon. Rather than attempt to run the more complex spread offense he brought over from Missouri, Christensen hinted that the Cowboys would be more run-based.

NCAAF Handicapping: Wyoming moves forward with rookie quarterbacks

Wyoming was dealt back-to-back blows following the departure of their starting quarterback and his back-up. Austin Carta-Samuels bolted for Vanderbilt while Emory Miller left for personal reasons. That leaves third-year head coach Dave Christensen with two true freshmen, Brett Smith and Adam Pittser. Smith enrolled early and was present for spring practice. Pittsner comes highly regarded as a dual-threat who slipped under the radar due to a run-first high school offense. According to ESPN, Pittser was the No. 15 QB in the 2011 class – ahead of signees from Oklahoma, Florida and TCU. To put it in somewhat of a perspective, Carta-Samuels was ranked No. 72 back in 2009 and went on the earn Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors.

The situation certainly puts the Cowboys behind the eight ball in a year that showed initial promise with virtually the entire starting lineup on both sides of the ball slated to return. Christensen runs a fairly sophisticated offense and Wyoming doesn't have the personnel to move the football and not be precise. Whoever takes the snaps though will have time to adjust with Weber State, Bowling Green and Texas State the first three weeks. After playing Nebraska, the Cowboys enjoy a bye week, and then play Utah State and UNLV and another bye before starting the meat of their schedule.